Standing Support Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A standing support apparatus adapted to support a person in a substantial standing orientation, the apparatus definable by a horizontal plane and a vertical plane normal to the horizontal plane, the apparatus comprising: a back support module having a supine inclination, the back support module adapted to support the back of the person; a work support module further comprising a vertical support element having a reverse inclination, the vertical support element having a work support table configurable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and in front of the supported person; and a base module disposed substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and adapted to support the back support module, the work support module, and the person.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the current invention are related to providing support to a person in a standing configuration. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a standing support apparatus having an integrated desk/table work support.

In the specification and claims which follow, the term “standing”, when used in reference to a person being supported in a substantial standing orientation is intended to mean “not sitting”, namely the person maintaining a position where one or both legs are substantially straight, with the legs supporting the body and with the back aligned in a substantially straight configuration, with back support.

The literature and prior art caution strongly against prolonged sitting, citing it as an unhealthy practice, especially in our work environments in our daily routines. Prolonged sitting—even for periods as short as 60 minutes or less appears to be linked to a myriad of problems including poor posture, backache, and more serious health problems involving the circulatory system and overall heart heath, inter alia. While the literature reflects many recommendations to get up and move around at work or at home between sitting sessions—something that most of us do not do—there appears to be a consensus that standing, even with some minimal support, can be a healthy alternative.

Prior art exists related to supporting an individual in a substantial standing position, as listed hereinbelow.

Hill Othmar, in German patent no. DE3248756, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a device for supporting the back area of standing persons having a support surface which extends upwards with spacing from the standing surface at least from the height of the buttocks of the standing person, and is inclined upwards and rearwards relative to the vertical plane. The support surface for the back part encloses an essentially right angle with the standing surface for the feet. The support surface and standing surface can be connected to one another via a frame which can also be arranged to stand freely in the room. However, the support surface can be constructed separately from the standing surface and be arranged on a wall, for example.

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,477,673, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, Bereday describes an apparatus having a soft platform on which a person stands and body supporting element against which he may lean while in a standing position to reduce fatigue.

Takafuji Hirosuke in WIPO Patent Application WO0113768, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a waist part supporting device, comprising a flat base on which a user is allowed to stand, a column having a lower end fixed to the rear part of the base and rising upward, and a back rest installed at the upper part of the column, wherein the column is bent so that the upper part is positioned forward from a base part, the back rest is attached to the column so as to be adjusted vertically and longitudinally, roller casters brought into contact with the ground when the base is inclined are attached to the rear end upper side of the base, and a foldable foot rest is installed at the lower part of the column, whereby the waist part supporting device capable of being moved, taking a rest position easily, performing a standing operation easily, and being handled easily with a simple structure can be provided.

In Japanese Patent no. JP8131295 by Numaguchi et al., whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a standing-position that can be used widely in a variety of vehicles and facilities and on which the user can sit while taking approximately a standing position and can also lean (sic). The standing-position seat has a horizontally placed approximately bar-shaped seat portion with an approximately rectangular cross section which when rotated can be used at least on two sides, a horizontally placed approximately bar-shaped support portion with an approximately circular cross section which is roughly parallel to the seat portion and located above and behind the seat portion by predetermined dimensions, and a frame portion supporting both the seat portion and the support portion; the user can be seated while taking approximately a standing position by use of the seat portion and the support portion and can also lean against the seat.

Gould, in Great Britain patent no. GB2442873, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a torso support structure extending vertically for a user in a standing position, with an upper and lower section conjoined by a midsection, where the midsection is shaped so the upper section extends in a different but parallel plane to the lower section. The support may be two vertical bars with crossbars extending between them, covered in foam sleeves or a removable cover. Alternatively the vertical support may be a solid sheet. The support may be secured to the ground via a flange with holes, and may use strengthening sections near the base of the support.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,728 by Schaevitz, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, Schaevitz describes an ergonomic, multi-position work stand in which a base member provides support and stability for a user and dissipates the forces placed on the work stand by a user. The work stand also includes at least one vertical support member capable of securely attaching to the base member and transferring the forces placed on the work stand by a user. In addition, the work stand further includes an upper body support member adjustably attached to the vertical support member which may be an adjustable padded support. The padded support may be adjusted in vertical height, horizontal placement and radial tilt for the comfort and convenience of a user. In another embodiment the work stand is also provided with a seat capable of supporting at least a portion of the weight of a user.

Yamada, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,459, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a standing position support apparatus having a standing position support column for holding a passenger in an upright posture on a main body of a vehicle which rolls or orbits along a track a height-adjusting frame which is disposed at the standing position support column to be vertically movable therealong (sic) and adjusted at a proper position in accordance with the height of the passenger and which has a locking mechanism for locking the height-adjusting frame and a body safety support mechanism having a pair of right and left shoulder holders which are free to pivot and support the upper half of the body (e.g., surrounding of the shoulders) of the passenger, a saddle for supporting the pelvic portion of the body, and an abdominal support for supporting the lower torso of the passenger. With the standing room apparatus, the passenger can be safely held to stand on the main body while it is in motion and can enjoy thrilling excitement as if he were standing on the main body by himself.

In German Patent no DE10 2009010183, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, Dozsa-Farkas describes a chair having a backrest part connected to a rear seat section of a seat part, and a front seat section pivotably connected to a chair frame. A movement mechanics is designed in a manner so that an ergonomic and body-synchronous support is provided based on seating positions at horizontal and vertical pivot angles formed between the front seat section and the rear seat section.

Zoell, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,136, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a device for supporting a human body comprising at least one support element defining a cross-sectional area and at least one longitudinal bar, whereby the support element is positioned in height and depth. A support bar for each of the at least one support elements is directly connected to the at least one longitudinal bar. The support bar extends at least partly along a first longitudinal axis of the at least one support element through the at least one support element. The support bar is eccentrically arranged in the cross-sectional area of the at least one support element. The invention furthermore discloses an application of the device for supporting a human body in a working system.

In U.S. Patent Application publication no. US 2002/0171283 by Liebeskind, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, Liebeskind describes an apparatus that allows a user to remain in a comfortable and stable standing position whereby there is less muscle and joint strain. The apparatus may be used in the home or office to allow the user to stand in a comfortable, supported position.

The numerous prior art cited hereinabove generally address supporting a person in a standing position. However the prior art does not incorporate allowing a person to perform desk work while being supported and to do so in a single integrated support device. Furthermore, in the prior art configurations are generally relatively large and difficult/not designed to be moved. There is therefore a need for an integrated standing support to allow a person to place objects and or perform tasks on a desk/table work support and for the standing support to be readily moved/portable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a standing support apparatus adapted to support a person in a substantial standing orientation, the apparatus definable by a horizontal plane and a vertical plane normal to the horizontal plane, the apparatus comprising: a back support module having a supine inclination, the back support module adapted to support the back of the person; a work support module further comprising a vertical support element having a reverse inclination, the vertical support element having a work support table configurable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and in front of the supported person; and a base module disposed substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and adapted to support the back support module, the work support module, and the person. Preferably, the supine inclination, measurable relative to the vertical plane, ranges from substantially 6 to 16 degrees. Most preferably, an optimal supine inclination is substantially 11 degrees. Typically, the standing apparatus is portable.

Preferably, the work support module is adapted to allow the supported person to place his hands and objects on the work support table. Most preferably, at least one arm support and a lumbar support are adjustably attachable to the back support element. Typically, the at least one arm support is positionable adjustably in at least one direction chosen from the list including: linearly vertical, linearly horizontal, rotationally vertical, and rotationally horizontal. Most typically, the lumbar support is positionable adjustably in the vertical direction. Preferably, the work support table is positionable adjustably vertically along the vertical support element. Most preferably, the back support module, work support module, and base module and respective elements are connectable and disconnectable, having no dedicated fittings. Typically, the standing support apparatus is adapted to accommodate a wide variation in height of the person. Most typically, the standing support apparatus is adapted to accommodate a wide variation in weight of the person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND APPENDICES

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric and side views of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 1C is the side view of FIG. 1B, with an inclined surface having an inclination angle “B”, measured relative to the vertical plane, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a standing support apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are pictorial representations of the standing support apparatus shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention; and

FIG. 5, which is a pictorial representation of the standing support apparatus shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The current invention relates to providing support to a person in a standing configuration. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a standing support apparatus having an integrated desk/table work support.

Reference is presently made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are isometric and side views of a horizontal plane 4 and a vertical plane 6 in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Horizontal plane 4 is typically defined by a substantially horizontal floor (not shown in the figure) in a room or a substantially horizontal surface outside of a building. Vertical plane 6 is defined as and plane substantially normal to horizontal plane 4. As such, a direction away from the floor is typically described hereinbelow as “up” and/or upwards”, whereas a direction towards the floor is typically described hereinbelow as “down” and/or “downwards”. In embodiments of the current invention, vertical plane 6 typically extends vertically and upwards from the horizontal plane, as shown in the figures.

Reference is presently made to FIG. 1C, which is the side view of FIG. 1B, but with an inclined surface 7 having an inclination angle “B”, measured relative to the vertical plane, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The planes and the inclination angle described hereinabove are useful in the description of the following figures.

Reference is currently made to FIG. 2, which is a pictorial representation of a standing support apparatus 10, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Standing support apparatus 10 includes: a back support module 12; a work support module 14; and a base module 16. The back support module is described further in detail immediately below, whereas work support module 14 and base module 16 are further described hereinbelow.

Back support module 12 is connected to and supported by base module 16, by one or more substantially vertically-oriented dual-channeled back support elements 20. A substantially horizontally-oriented connecting element 21 serves to connect back support elements 20 at their respective upper ends, opposing the base module. In this way, back support module 12 forms a rigid and strong structure. Back support module 12 may be formed from individual, connected elements as described hereinabove. Alternatively or optionally, the back support module may be formed as one unit having elements permanently connected and/or permanently formed into one unit.

In the specification and claims which follow, the term “supine inclination”, when used in reference to a person being supported by his back in a substantial standing orientation, is intended to mean an inclination away from the vertical plane (refer to FIG. 1C) backwards, meaning an inclination for supporting a person tending to a supine position (i.e. back supported and face upwards) as opposed to an inclination tending to a prone position (i.e. facing downwards).

Back support module 12 is shown in the figure having a supine inclination to support a person (shown in a following figure, hereinbelow) in a substantial standing orientation. In embodiments of the current invention the supine inclination ranges from approximately 6 to 16 degrees; and an optimal supine inclination value is approximately 11 degrees.

The back support module has a lumbar support 22 and one or more arm supports 23. The lumbar support position is adjustable upwards and downwards (i.e. “vertically adjustable”) on back support module 12. The one or more arm supports are vertically adjustable and rotatable adjustable towards and away from back support module 12. A joint 24 formed in the arm support allows rotatable adjustability.

Back support elements 20 have retention teeth 25, as known in the art, formed therein to allow the end of one or more arm supports 23 to be easily inserted and locked into place. Retention teeth 25 likewise allow the one or more arm supports 23 to be tilted upward and readily repositioned upwards or downwards along the respective back support element.

Work support module 14 is connected to and rigidly supported from base module 16 by two work support elements 30. Work support elements 30 are configured generally vertically approximately parallel to each other, having a vertical orientation. Work support elements 30 support a work support table 32, which is maintained approximately parallel to base module 16, as shown in the figure and as described hereinbelow.

In contradistinction to “supine inclination”, in the specification and claims which follow, the term “reverse inclination”, when used in reference to the respective work support vertical support element, is intended to mean an inclination away from the vertical plane, i.e. an inclination from the vertical plane opposing that of angle “B” in FIG. 1C. In the current case, work support vertical elements 30 have a reverse inclination, meaning an inclination away from back support module 12, so that vertical elements 30 are configured approximately parallel to but are closer to back support module 12 near base module 16 and vertical elements 30 diverge from back support module 12 upwards. The reverse inclination allows work support table 32 to be effectively presented to a person, allowing for varying person height, when the person is standing, supported by back support module 12.

Work support table 32 rides on vertical elements 30, as shown in the figure, allowing the table to be raised or lowered, as desired. Vertical elements 30 have holes 34 drilled as shown, with posts 34 inserted in the holes to allow horizontal support under work table 32, maintaining the work table stably in position. Work table 32 may be moved from position to position by removing posts 34 and reinserting the posts into the holes under the table for another position. Work support table 32 is positioned to hold objects and/or allow the person to place his hands thereupon.

A foot support 35 is positioned approximately parallel to and near the base module and serves to connect vertical elements 30. Foot support 35 has a dual purpose in further stabilizing vertical elements 30 and in allowing the person to support typically one foot, but sometimes both feet, when the person is standing, supported by back support module 12.

Work support module 14 may be formed from individual, connected elements as described hereinabove. Alternatively or optionally, the work support module may be formed as one unit having elements permanently connected and/or permanently formed into one unit.

In embodiments of the current invention, base module 16 is typically configured to rest completely on an approximately straight floor (not shown in the figure). The base module is generally of a square shape, however it may have another geometric shape (such as but not limited to: rectangular: triangular; round; and oval). Base module 16 is formed to be massive enough to receive the various elements it supports—as described hereinabove—and to serve as a stable base upon which the person stands. In this way, base module 16, including the weight of the person, serve to further stabilize standing support apparatus 10.

In embodiments of the current invention, back support module 12, work support module 14, and base module 16 are formed generally from lightweight and sturdy materials such as, but not limited to: wood; plastic; and aluminum. Notwithstanding a choice of materials as mentioned hereinabove, base module 16 may be formed from thicker and/or more massive and heavy weight materials.

Reference is currently made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are pictorial representations of standing support apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Apart from differences described hereinbelow, standing support apparatus 10 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in FIG. 1, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove. In FIG. 4, a person 40 is schematically indicated, showing the person being exemplarily supported by standing support apparatus 10.

A singular work support element 36 (as opposed to two work support elements 30, shown in FIG. 2) serves to support work table 32A. The orientation of work support 32A and the manner it is supported and may have its position varied are generally the same as described hereinabove for work support 32, mutatis mutandis.

As described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 2, the person is shown in the current figures with one foot supported on foot support 35. Additionally, FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate the configuration and proximity of arm supports 23 and work support 32A with respect to person 40 when the person is supported by standing support apparatus 10.

Reference is currently made to FIG. 5 which is a pictorial representation of standing support apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. Apart from differences described hereinbelow, standing support apparatus 10 is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown in the referenced figures, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove. One of two rollers 50 is visible at rear edge of base module 16. Rollers 50 are configured to be used to move standing support apparatus 10 from one location to another but tilting the standing support apparatus rearwards, onto the rollers, and then by rolling the standing support apparatus to the desired location. In an embodiment of the current invention, auxiliary seat 52 serves to allow the person to be supported by the person's buttocks, from time to time when the person is generally supported by standing support apparatus. Auxiliary seat 52 is connected to the back support element at the appropriate height for sitting. The auxiliary seat is connected to the back support element and is adjustable in position in similar fashion as described hereinabove for lumbar support 22.

Embodiments of the current invention optionally or additionally include:

-   -   all joints/elements of back support module 12, work support         module 14, and base module 16 may be connected and disconnected,         having no dedicated fittings (i.e. not additional parts or         fasters) and no need for special tools to join the elements;     -   the standing support apparatus may be disassembled to the back         support, work support, and base modules and/or further         disassembled to allow for compact transport of the standing         support apparatus;     -   the standing support apparatus is adjustable, accommodating a         wide variation of person heights and body weights—“wide         variation” meaning at least 2 standard variations about mean         height and body weights as known in the art; and     -   the adjustability of the standing support apparatus allows for         additional/optional items to be easily supported thereupon, such         as, but not limited to: lighting, computer peripherals, and         power sources.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A standing support apparatus adapted to support a person in a substantial standing orientation, the apparatus definable by a horizontal plane and a vertical plane normal to the horizontal plane, the apparatus comprising: a back support module having a supine inclination, the back support module adapted to support the back of the person; a work support module further comprising a vertical support element having a reverse inclination, the vertical support element having a work support table configurable substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and in front of the supported person; and a base module disposed substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and adapted to support the back support module, the work support module, and the person.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supine inclination, measurable relative to the vertical plane, ranges from substantially 6 to 16 degrees.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein an optimal supine inclination is substantially 11 degrees.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the standing apparatus is portable.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the work support module is adapted to allow the supported person to place his hands and objects on the work support table.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least one arm support and a lumbar support are adjustably attachable to the back support element.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one arm support is positionable adjustably in at least one direction chosen from the list including: linearly vertical, linearly horizontal, rotationally vertical, and rotationally horizontal.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the lumbar support is positionable adjustably in the vertical direction.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the work support table is positionable adjustably vertically along the vertical support element.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the back support module, work support module, and base module and respective elements are connectable and disconnectable, having no dedicated fittings.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the standing support apparatus is adapted to accommodate a wide variation in height of the person.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the standing support apparatus is adapted to accommodate a wide variation in weight of the person. 